
15
Chapter 1, Automate a Light
Extensions
The most basic and common use of X10 controllers is to turn lights on and
off. However, X10 is extremely flexible, and the wide variety of X10 devices
allows you to remotely control everything from dryers to window blinds to
your home’s thermostat. Here are some other common uses for X10:
• If you have a switch in an illogical place, replace it with an X10-con-
trolled switch and add a wireless controller to the wall where the switch
should be.
• If want a switch to control multiple electrical outlets, replace it with a
two-way X10 controller and add lamp modules to allow it to control
remote lamps.
• If you hate getting up in the middle of the night to turn off a light some-
where in the house, replace all your light switches with X10 switches
and use the All Lights Off switch on your controller.
Exhibit A: Bill of Materials
The following list shows the parts that I purchased specifically for this proj-
ect, though you can choose to substitute parts from other manufacturers.
All parts are available from large hardware stores or home-automation web
sites. The part numbers listed can be referenced at http://www.smarthome.
com.
Item Quantity Approximate cost Part number
X10 wireless
transceiver
1 $20 and up 4005X or 400s
X10 motion
detector
1 $20 and up MS14A-C or MS13A
X10 switch 1 $13 and up 2031 or similar
Exhibit A
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